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Depression, Mental Health Taken More Seriously at the Office
> 8/22/2006 11:20:14 AM

Any regular readers of this blog understand the implications of depression and other mental health problems in the workplace. It is encouraging however, to see this topic beginning to receive more press, especially when that press treats the subject with the gravitas it deserves.

USA Today has done just that with their article "Workplaces quit quietly ignoring mental health." The article doesn't go on to shatter any preconceived notions or upend long standing beliefs (it is USA Today), but it does provide a nice snapshot of the American work environment and how many companies are changing policy to help workers remain productive while facing a mental illness. The article demonstrates that whether it is depression, PTSD or an anxiety disorder, human resources departments are beginning to think proactively about mental health to achieve the best results.

In a related article today from the same paper, writer Stephanie Armour discusses how companies are also trying to help employees get more and better sleep, or failing that, fight fatigue that can drastically lower morale and production. According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, a quarter of all Americans get a good night's sleep only a couple days a month, while another quarter said they only get a few good nights a week. To combat this, some companies encourage naps or provide free coffee. In many cities, and especially in places like Japan, third party services that provide quiet nap pods have been opening their doors. Both of these articles represent positive steps forward for workers as well as the companies who stand to benefit from increased productivity.

Comments
This is so timely for me. I got a talking to at work because of low productivity but I had disclosed my problems with depression and side effects from the many drugs I was trying in an effort to find relief. I also have serious problems sleeping and functioning at home.I ended up off for a week and a half and then used two weeks of paid short term disability.I just went back to work and I am worried about how I will perform. I will be seeing a new psychiatrist who is highly recommended but out of network so I have a $2000 out of network deductible and then they will pay 60% for up to 20 sessions. I may need a sleep study as well. I am taking the maximum loan amount I can from my retirement and when that is gone, I don't know what I will do ($3900).They want me to tell them what accommodations I need but I don't know. Maybe the new psychiatrist will help with that. Plus, I am afraid to ask for anything as I feel I have already been a burden.Thanks for this blog.
URL: http://cerebration.typepad.com/cerebration/
Posted by: Lily 8/25/2006 6:10:45 AM